Equestrian centre delayed until road fears are resolved

PLANS for a top-level equestrian centre near Selkirk have been approved, but put on hold while access issues are examined.

A number of local residents and Selkirk Community Council had expressed concerns about the safety of the B6400, given the anticipated increase in large traffic the centre would create.

Councillors, meeting on Monday, ‘approved in principle’ Ian Stark’s proposal for the centre, which will include indoor and outdoor arenas capable of hosting high-quality events.

However the permission will be subject to a planning condition requiring the provision of passing places on the road, and how these will be provided will determine the exact wording of that condition, something being worked on by planning officers and Mr Stark’s agent.

”Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne said: “None of the objectors seemed to have problems with the centre, it all centred on the road, and I think that is quite reasonable.”

If the matter of the passing places is able to be resolved, then the application will be approved without having to go back before the planning committee.